Obituary of Ilie Crowther

It is with great sadness that the family of Viola “Ilie” Claire Crowther announce her passing which occurred on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in St. Martins on February 5, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Gertrude (Flynn) Osborne.

Ilie is survived by her only son Gary and his wife Lynn, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and husband Arnold Crowther, Ilie was predeceased by her sister Myrtis (Osborne) Brown; and brothers: Ernest, Harold, Murray, and Clyde Osborne.

Ilie graduated from St. Martins Superior School and continued her education at Acadia University earning a Business Degree

 She married the love of her life Arnold on April 20, 1946. In the early 1950’s they moved to London, Ontario, and a few years later Ilie began a career in Real Estate becoming the first female Real Estate Broker in Canada, eventually opening two offices in Ontario. In 1967 they moved back to St. Martins renovating Ilie’s childhood home, where she lived until her death.

Ilie continued her Real Estate career in New Brunswick with V.C. (Ilie) Crowther Ltd and eventually working with Gary and Lynn until her retirement.

She gave much of herself and her time by volunteering on many committees throughout her life. She was president of the Quaco Library and Museum. She was one of the founding members of the St. Martins Concerned Citizens Group, raising funds to purchase defibrillators and the jaws of life for her community, President of the Special Care Home Association, President of the St. Martins Community Cemetery for over 50 years and President of the Saint John Real Estate Board.

Ilie (Auntie to so many) always looked forward to hosting her annual Boxing Day celebrations for her cherished extended family.

There were no boundaries in her love for animals. Her door was always open to love and care for any animal in need.

A life well lived, thank you for sharing it with us.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 8PM at the St. Martins Baptist Church. The funeral will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the St. Martins Baptist Church, St. Martins, NB. Interment will follow at the St. Martins Community Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Ilie may be made to the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue or by supporting the St. Martins Feral Fund via Stoneybrook Veterinary Services. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com